Aerospace Engineering, MS

Program Delivery
On Campus
Total Credits
30 Credits

About the Program

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers a program leading to the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MS AE). This academic degree is appropriate either as a terminal degree or in preparation for doctoral studies in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Two options are available to complete the MS in Aerospace Engineering.  Students may choose either the Thesis (24 coursework credit hours and 6 thesis credit hours) or Non-Thesis (30 coursework credits) option. Both options require a total of 30 graduate-level credit hours. Up to 6 credits of Graduate Independent Study (MAE 9500) coursework may be used to fulfill the degree requirements. 

Focus of Study

Learning Outcomes

Advanced Aerospace Technical Knowledge - Students will demonstrate mastery of advanced principles in aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and spaceflight dynamics, applying these concepts to analyze and design aircraft, spacecraft, and aerospace systems. 

Analysis & Problem-Solving Capabilities - Students will formulate and solve complex aerospace engineering problems using advanced mathematical methods, computational simulations, and experimental techniques, demonstrating proficiency in both analytical and numerical approaches. They will validate solutions through appropriate verification and validation processes, assessing uncertainty and limitations in their analyses.

Specialized Aerospace Domain Expertise - Students will develop deep expertise in a chosen aerospace concentration area such as aerodynamics and propulsion, flight dynamics and control, and spacecraft structural engineering. They will demonstrate comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art technologies, current research frontiers, and critical challenges facing their specialization area.

Professional & Transferable Skills - Students will communicate complex technical information effectively to diverse audiences. They will develop a lifelong learning mindset and the ability to independently acquire new knowledge and adapt to evolving technologies throughout their careers.

Program Requirements

Procedures & Requirements for Graduation

During the first semester of enrollment, each student will prepare a Plan of Study, which must be approved by the student's graduate advisor and the MAE Graduate Affairs Committee. The plan will specify the student's selected area of interest and list courses related to the area. Any subsequent changes to the Plan of Study must be approved by the student's advisor and the MAE Graduate Affairs Committee.

Students will choose between Plan I (Thesis Option), or Plan II (Course Option):

  1. Plan I - At least twenty-four credit hours of graduate coursework and up to six hours of thesis credit is necessary to satisfy the thirty credit hour requirement. The thesis credit will be provided for research, preparation of the thesis document, and defense of the thesis (which is required for completion of the program).
  2. Plan II - Thirty credit hours of graduate coursework.

Math Area

All students must complete a minimum of two classes (6cr) in Math. Engineering Analysis I and II are encouraged for the first two semesters of the MSAE program, but the well-prepared student (with a recent BS in ME or AE) can choose any two of the following courses:

  • Engineering Analysis I
  • Engineering Analysis II
  • Numerical Methods
  • Machine Learning for Engineers
  • Any graduate course with a MATH designation

Aerospace Engineering Courses

Both plans will require completion of a minimum of at least five classes (15cr) specifically designated as Aerospace Topics courses (denoted below by *). Up to two classes (6 cr) from the Space Operations program (SPCE prefix) may be used for the Aerospace Topics requirement with approval by the student's advisor and Chair of the MAE Graduate Affairs Committee. Up to 6 thesis credits on a topic in aerospace engineering can count toward the Aerospace Topics requirement with approval by the student's advisor and Chair of the MAE Graduate Affairs Committee.

Dynamics and Controls

  • Astrodynamics
  • Advanced Astrodynamics
  • Trajectory Optimization
  • Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics & Controls

Thermal Fluid Sciences

  • Rocket Propulsion
  • Radiation
  • Space Environment
  • Compressible Flow
     
MS Program of Study Form

Admissions Details

To learn more about admission requirements and the application process, please visit the UCCS Admissions page.

Additional Resources for Admissions

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Coursework

For additional details regarding the program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog .